Pope Francis hasn't approved blessing of gay, lesbian marriages — Catholic Bishops' President

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has clarified recent reports suggesting that Pope Francis approved the blessings of gay and lesbian marriages by the Catholic Church.

Reverend Gyamfi said the Pope did not direct or authorize Catholic priests to bless union of same-sex couples.

Reverend Gyamfi addressed these rumors in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News following widespread reports that Pope Francis has cleared Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples.

Reverend Gyamfi stated, "The Vatican was explaining what, in the Catholic Church, we call blessings and which category of people or saints should be blessed. Somebody asked if same-sex couples can also come to receive blessings, and the Pope said yes, just like any other Catholic goes to the priest for blessings or prayers."

Reverend Gyamfi stressed the importance of making a clear distinction between ordinary blessings for individuals and the blessings specifically intended for marriages.

He clarified, "What people do not understand is that if a gay couple goes to the priest to bless them, and the Pope says yes, you are blessing the people and not the union."

He further highlighted that there are different prayers, liturgies and blessings in the Catholic Church for various occasions, including marriages.

Reverend Gyamfi emphasized that when individuals, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, seek ordinary blessings, they should be treated like any other Catholic seeking such blessings.